Tuesday, May 8, 2012

But before we all freak out it should be noted that it was certain subsets within the school that "fell below" the standard -- mainly kids for whom English is not their first language. Read the report here and read a story about it in Patch.com.

And here's a portion of an interview that was on public radio recently about our love affair with testing and what it means for our children. Bottom line? When we obsess over tests we create kids who are like little calculators spitting out information but who lack critical thinking skills and, most importantly, creativity.

As Diane Ravitch sees it, [No Child Left Behind's] stringent standardized testing requirements have forced schools and teachers to obsess over test scores at the cost of teaching critical thinking and creativity. “The very nature of standardized testing is that new ideas are punished," Ravitch tells Kurt Andersen.

Children of the World co-op playgroup. A great place for kids to play and parents to relax and chat. Located in (though not affiliated with) the cathedral at University Parkway and St. Paul Street, in the Guilford area. Runs year round. More info here.